Connecticut’s groundhog predicts early arrival of spring

MANCHESTER, Conn. – Officials say Connecticut’s groundhog is predicting an early arrival of spring.

The Journal Inquirer reports Chuckles made an appearance at the Lutz Children’s Museum in Manchester Saturday morning.

Manchester Mayor Jay Moran drew a loud cheer from the room as he declared, “Spring is on!”

Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil, the nation’s most famous prognosticating groundhog, made a similar prediction Saturday.

The festivities have their origin in a German legend that says if a furry rodent casts a shadow on Feb. 2, winter continues. If not, spring comes early.

Connecticut’s groundhog doesn’t look for his shadow. Instead, he “whispers” a prediction to the mayor. To be sure, Chuckles also predicted an early spring last year but that didn’t come to pass.

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Information from: Journal Inquirer, http://www.journalinquirer.com